A. Parcel Equipment. The parcel owner or customer shall, at his or her own risk and expense, furnish, install and keep in good and safe condition all equipment that may be required for receiving, controlling, applying and utilizing water, and the city shall not be responsible for any loss or damage caused by the improper installation of such water equipment, or the negligence, want of proper care or wrongful act of the parcel owner or customer or of any of his or her tenants, agents, employees, contractors, licensees or permittees in installing, maintaining, using, operating or interfering with such equipment. The city shall not be responsible for damage to property caused by spigots, faucets, valves and other equipment that are open when water is turned on at the meter, either when the water is turned on originally, or when turned on after a temporary shutdown.

B. City Property. The parcel owner or customer shall be liable for any damage to a meter, curbstop, water meter box or other equipment or property owned by the city which is caused by an act of the parcel owner or customer or his or her tenants, agents, employees, contractors, licensees or permittees, including the breaking or destruction of locks by the parcel owner or customer or others on or near a meter. The city shall be reimbursed by the parcel owner or customer for any damage promptly on presentation of a bill.

C. Private Pumping Equipment. The utilities department must approve the installation and operation of all private pumping equipment before city water service will be provided. Any pumping facility that does not incorporate an automatic shutoff control that will positively prevent motor burnout during periods of low or negative pressure will not be approved.

This section shall not be construed to excuse the obtaining of appropriate city council, and other, approvals necessary to permit (1) city water service, and (2) installation and operation of private pumping equipment.

D. Parcel owner or customer is responsible for maintaining plumbing connection on the parcel side of the meter. Parcel owner or customer equipment must be able to withstand meter change-outs and shutoffs. Parcel owner or customer shall repair their equipment if determined necessary by the city.

E. Parcel owner or customer is responsible for maintaining acceptable access to the water meter as determined by the city. At a minimum a two-foot clearance must be provided around meter.

F. No additions can be made in the meter box other than primary city water service.

G. Ground Wire Attachments. All individuals or business organizations are forbidden to attach any ground wire or wires to any plumbing which is or may be connected to a service connection or main belonging to the city; the utilities department will hold the parcel owner or customer liable for any damage to its property occasioned by such ground wire attachments.

H. The utilities department does not assume liability for inspecting apparatus on the parcel owner or customer’s property. The utilities department does reserve the right of inspection, however, if there is reason to believe that unsafe apparatus is in use. (Ord. 1597 § 15, 2014: prior code § 7410.18. Formerly 13.04.190)